Penne, a picturesque town nestled in Italy's central region of Abruzzo, is taking innovative steps to revive its historic heart by offering abandoned homes for just one euro. This initiative aims to breathe new life into the town's ancient center, which is renowned for its rich architectural heritage and scenic beauty. Located midway between the Adriatic coast and the majestic Gran Sasso mountain range, Penne's historical center sits atop two hills, providing panoramic views that attract visitors from far and wide.
The town of Penne, which was known as Pinna during Roman times, boasts a fascinating blend of medieval, gothic, and renaissance styles in its architecture. Its old district is often described as an "open-air museum," with a labyrinth of arched stone portals and intricately decorated monumental fountains. Despite its historical allure, the town faces the challenge of dwindling population numbers in its charming old district.
Penne's mayor, Gilberto Petrucci, is spearheading the effort to rejuvenate the town's ancient core. The one-euro home program invites buyers to purchase neglected properties with the commitment to renovate them within three years. Unlike similar programs in other Italian towns, Penne does not require buyers to pay a downpayment guarantee to commence restoration work. The approximate starting cost for a basic restyle of a small to medium-sized house is around 20,000 euros.
“It just hurts me so much to see these houses just lying there abandoned. It’s like a wound,” Gilberto Petrucci expressed, highlighting his dedication to reviving the town.
Since the inception of the program in 2022, Penne has successfully sold six homes under this initiative. Mayor Petrucci emphasizes the importance of attracting new residents to prevent the old district from becoming deserted.
“Although our total population is roughly 1,200 inhabitants, there are only 1,000 people left living in our gorgeous old district, which risks becoming a ghost town,” he stated.
The historical significance of Penne is deeply rooted in its millennial past. The area bears traces of prehistoric settlements dating back to the Oschi, an ancient Italic people who inhabited the highlands for protection against their adversaries.
“Penne boasts millennial roots which have left signs on its landscape. The first traces of prehistoric settlements date back to the Oschi, an Italic population that lived in the highlands to defend themselves from their enemies,” Petrucci remarked.
In addition to its architectural treasures, Penne is home to a vibrant cultural tradition—the annual Palio. This picturesque horse race winds through the town's narrow alleys and draws comparisons to the renowned event in Siena, Tuscany. The Palio serves as a celebration of Penne's enduring community spirit and historical legacy.
The one-euro home initiative aligns with Penne's commitment to preserving its unique heritage while fostering growth and revitalization. The program not only offers an opportunity for individuals seeking affordable property but also encourages them to contribute to the preservation of the town's storied past.
“We really want to encourage and support those who come to revive the ancient neighborhood,” Mayor Petrucci emphasized.
